‘Too successful’ recycling bins could be danger to children

Residents living near a busy recycling point on a Kirkcaldy housing estate have been given assurances that steps will be taken to address safety concerns.

The Dunvegan Avenue site has been so popular that it is putting children’s safety at risk, with overflowing recycling bins spilling out onto the footpath, and broken glass and sharp can lids posing a danger to youngsters using the footpath on their way to Strathallan Primary School.

When the bins are full, residents and passers by are also leaving bags full of plastic bottles, glass and cans lying around, causing passers-by to encounter an obstacle course of spilled bags.

Now residents have called for the site to be moved to a safer place or another recycling centre added elsewhere off Oriel Road to serve the growing number of people using the facility.

Wayne Watson (45), and neighbour Julie Gibson who live in the street say they voiced their concerns when plans were revealed to introduce a recycling centre on the busy road, but were given assurances that the bins would be emptied regularly.

“The centre has become much busier as the number of houses has increased, and now it just can’t cope and is regularly overflowing onto the street,” explained Mr Watson.

“My biggest concern is that the council is trying to get children to walk to school, and this is a main route for local children. The area is not well lit after dark, and someone could quite easily trip up which could be dangerous.”

David Masterton (71), who also lives on Dunvegan Avenue, said: “The bins are not emptied nearly enough and they are regularly overflowing. The problem is that the council doesn’t have the manpower. If you keep the council tax down then something has to go.

“If the bins are full I just take my recycling back and put it in my garage, but if people come with their recycling in their cars then they just leave it lying at the side if it’s full, and I can’t blame them.”

Councillor Susan Leslie, who represents the area, said the residents concerns were “very justified.”

“I have spoken to council officers and we will be meeting with the residents as soon as possible to discuss the problems and what can be done about them.”

Elaine Devine, commercial operations service manager with Fife Council, said: “We’re glad to see so much enthusiasm for recycling, but are aware that several of the recycling points in Kirkcaldy are often full. We are doing all we can to manage this demand by emptying these bins at least twice per week, and in some cases every day, however it is not always enough.